International sales executive and producer Pia Patatian has officially launched Noora Films, a new production, sales, and financing company bridging Europe and the U.S., and is kicking off operations at AFM with the buzzy British period drama Madfabulous.
Directed by BAFTA Cymru winner Celyn Jones (The Almond and the Seahorse, The Vanishing) from a debut script by Lisa Baker, Madfabulous reimagines the true story of Henry Paget, the fifth Marquess of Anglesey, a rebellious aristocrat who defied convention through fashion, theatre, and sheer flamboyance.
The film stars Callum Scott Howells (It’s a Sin, The Beautiful Game), Ruby Stokes (Lockwood & Co., Rocks), and Rupert Everett (Napoleon, The Serpent Queen), alongside an ensemble that includes Paul Rhys, Louis Hynes, Louise Brealey, Tom Rhys-Harries, Siobhán McSweeney, Guillaume Gallienne, Steve Speirs, and Kevin Eldon.
“Madfabulous is fun, fearless, and full of heart — a vibrant ensemble film with something to say,” said Patatian, CEO of Noora Films. “Celyn Jones has delivered a dazzling crowd-pleaser, and we can’t wait to introduce this story — and its extraordinary cast — to global distributors at AFM.”
“Cel has made something truly special,” added Sean Marley of Mad as Birds Films. “It’s not a stuffy period piece — it’s alive with energy, irreverence, and universal themes. Henry’s journey feels as relevant now as it did a century ago.”
A Bold, Modern Period Drama
Madfabulous follows the eccentric Henry Paget as he returns from France to his family’s Anglesey estate — only to scandalize high society with his theatrical performances, glittering costumes, and unapologetic self-expression. Dubbed “the dancing marquess,” Paget’s story is retold here with flair, humor, and poignancy.
The film is produced by Nadia Jaynes (Marcella, The Responder) and Sean Marley (Poms, Six Minutes to Midnight) for Mad as Birds Films, with Nicola Pearcey (Military Wives, The Almond and the Seahorse) executive producing for Picnik Entertainment, alongside Paul Baker.
The production was shot entirely in North Wales, with a high-caliber creative team including Oscar-winning makeup and hair designer Nadia Stacey, BAFTA-winning cinematographer Laurie Rose, editor Kevin Jones, and costume designer Francisco Rodriguez-Weil.
Jay Cohen at Gersh is handling U.S. rights.
“With its humor, heart, and sense of irreverence, Madfabulous is a rare gem,” said Cohen. “It’s bursting with personality and anchored by exceptional performances. We’re proud to bring it to U.S. buyers.”
A Cannes Favorite, a new Global Player
Supported by Ffilm Cymru Wales with funding delegated by Creative Wales, Madfabulous was selected for the prestigious 2025 GREAT 8 showcase at the Cannes Marché, spotlighting standout new UK films.
For Patatian, Madfabulous marks the debut of Noora Films, a boutique production and sales banner specializing in director-driven, high-quality film and television projects with commercial and artistic appeal.
Before founding Noora, Patatian served as President of Cloud 9 Studios (formerly Concord Studios), where she oversaw international sales on Paul Schrader’s Oh, Canada, Renny Harlin’s Deep Water, and Under the Stars starring Toni Collette and Andy Garcia, which she also produced.
Previously, she was SVP of Sales at Capstone Pictures, leading deals for Kandahar, Fall, Silent Night, and The Estate, and served as an executive producer on Abel Ferrara’s Padre Pio and Lionsgate’s Manodrome. Her earlier roles include leadership posts at Blue Box International, Kathy Morgan International, and Universal Pictures in Madrid.
A trilingual executive of Spanish, Lebanese, and Armenian heritage, Patatian holds an MBA from Instituto de Empresa, a BS in Business Administration from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and a degree in International Economics and Marketing from the Copenhagen Business School.
REELated:
Sabrina Carpenter set to lead and produce Alice in Wonderland
